Many businesses are reliant on some form of machinery whether its computers or heavy construction equipment. When this machinery breaks, seeking out repairs fast is often necessary for reducing costly downtime.
Unfortunately, repairs themselves can be expensive – especially when it comes to complex machinery. Below are just a few useful ways in which your company can spend less on repairs.
Check if you’re covered by insurance
If your machinery is still relatively new, it may still be covered by a warranty. This could allow you to seek out free repairs and is worth looking into before you shop around for a repair technician.
In other cases, damage may be covered by business property insurance. If equipment is vandalised or damaged in a natural disaster such as a flood, you should be able to seek compensation for repairs via your insurer.
Source your own parts
If a specific part is broken, you could save money by sourcing it yourself instead of relying on a repair technician to find the right part. Most repair technicians will aim to make a profit on any parts they have to order. You can shop for specific machinery parts at sites like https://gpi.net/product-category/pumps/mobile-fuel-pumps-dc-voltage/. Just make sure you know exactly what type of part you need.
Know when to repair and when to replace
Sometimes it can be a better investment to replace a machine rather than repairing it. If the machine is old or you have previously had to make costly repairs to it, it could be time for a replacement. You should also consider the cost of repairs versus the cost of replacement. Most businesses use the 50% rule – if repairs cost more than half the value of a replacement, it’s usually a more sensible decision to cut your losses and buy a new machine.
Take preventative action
One effective way of reducing the cost of repairs is stop your machines from breaking in the first place. This involves taking preventative measures. Below are a few ways to take preventative action.
- Keep your machinery serviced and well maintained: A good maintenance schedule can prevent machinery from breaking. This could include cleaning machinery, updating software or topping up fluids. Machinery should also be stored in the right conditions – it shouldn’t be exposed to the elements when not in use or stored near a heat source. Always follow the manufacturer’s guide when it comes to maintenance.
- Invest in preventative repairs: Once you record a fault, consider whether it’s worth getting it fixed there and then. Don’t wait until the machine completely fails to get the problem fixed. Preventative repairs can be scheduled during times of inactivity to cause minimal disturbance and you could find that they’re less costly than waiting for complete failure.
- Only buy machinery in good condition: A lot of companies save money by buying used machinery. However, machinery that has been heavily used may be more prone to faults as parts are likely to be worn. Make sure that you’re not buying machinery that’s already in poor condition. This guide http://hub.exapro.com/10-mistakes-buying-used-industrial-machinery offers more tips to buying used machinery.
Leave a Reply